Popular Nigerian singer, D’banj, has opened up about the breakup of the legendary Mo’Hits record label, revealing that it was his partner and acclaimed producer, Don Jazzy, who suggested that they go their separate ways.
The split, which shocked fans across Nigeria and beyond in 2012, marked the end of one of the country’s most influential music partnerships. Mo’Hits, co-founded by D’banj and Don Jazzy, had dominated the Nigerian music scene in the mid-2000s, producing several hit songs and nurturing a generation of stars.
Speaking recently on the Mic On podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, D’banj said he had no regrets about the split, stressing that the idea to part ways did not come from him.
“If I were to go back in time, I wouldn’t have done anything differently regarding my relationship with Don Jazzy, especially when the idea to go our separate ways didn’t come from me. It came from Don Jazzy 100 per cent. And that’s why we have no issue,” D’banj explained.
D’banj, whose real name is Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo, noted that despite the split, his professional journey continued successfully. He recalled that Don Jazzy handed him full ownership of his music catalogue, including many unreleased songs.
“Jazzy gave me 100 per cent of my catalogue and maybe 10 other songs I have not released… If was a journey for me, even though he had his opinion, I knew that we needed to cement that global movement, and I’m glad that even after, God still did it for us with ‘Oliver Twist’, which was the last record we released together,” the singer said.
The hit song Oliver Twist, released shortly after the Mo’Hits split, became an international success and brought Nigerian Afrobeats music to the global stage. D’banj credited the track’s success to both his and Don Jazzy’s contributions, saying it proved that the partnership, even in its final moments, had left a lasting mark on music history.
Although D’banj admitted he misses collaborating with Don Jazzy, he said their separation was predestined and necessary for both their careers.
Mo’Hits, founded in 2004, was one of Nigeria’s most successful record labels. It launched the careers of artists such as Wande Coal, Dr SID, and of course, D’banj, while producing chart-topping hits that dominated radio airplay across Africa. The label was also known for popularising the “Afrobeats” sound internationally.
The split in 2012, announced by Don Jazzy, surprised fans and the music industry alike. At the time, Don Jazzy cited differences with D’banj as the reason for ending the partnership. Over a decade later, D’banj has shed light on the events from his perspective, emphasising that he bears no grudge and continues to appreciate the role Don Jazzy played in his career.
“I wouldn’t have done anything differently. God still did it for us with Oliver Twist,” D’banj told the podcast. He also highlighted that receiving full rights to his music catalogue was crucial for his continued growth as an independent artist.
In recent years, both D’banj and Don Jazzy have pursued separate careers. Don Jazzy launched Mavin Records in 2012, which has grown into one of Nigeria’s most successful record labels, signing top talents including Rema, Ayra Starr, and Johnny Drille. D’banj has continued to release music as a solo artist, maintain his international brand, and engage in philanthropy through the Koko Foundation.
Despite their separate paths, fans have often speculated about a potential reunion between the two music icons. D’banj, however, seems focused on his own career while expressing appreciation for the time they worked together.
“I do miss collaborating with him, but life is a journey,” D’banj admitted. “The split was predestined, and it gave us room to grow individually.”
D’banj’s candid reflections provide insight into the dynamics of one of the most iconic partnerships in Nigerian entertainment history. His acknowledgment of Don Jazzy’s decision and generosity in handing over his music catalogue underscores a sense of professionalism and maturity, something that has endeared him to fans over the years.
For young musicians and fans of Afrobeats, D’banj’s revelations serve as a reminder that successful careers often involve difficult decisions, personal sacrifices, and mutual respect among collaborators.
As Nigeria’s music scene continues to grow and capture international attention, the story of Mo’Hits and its founders remains a critical chapter, highlighting both the challenges and triumphs of the country’s creative industry.
